West Stockbridge, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 170 § 170-6
Limitation on petitions for individual adjustment (West Stockbridge Mobile Home Parks)
Operative Text
Notwithstanding any other provision in this bylaw, the Board may, without holding a hearing, refuse to adjust the maximum rent for an individual mobile home park accommodation and may dismiss any petition for adjustment if a decision has been made with regard to the maximum rent for such mobile home park accommodation within 12 months, or if the Board finds that the petition for adjustment is filed for purposes of harassment or for other purposes not intended by the Act or in conflict with MGL c. 140, §§ 32A through 32S .
Under West Stockbridge, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 170 § 170-6, the local Rent Board has the authority to dismiss a petition for a rent adjustment—without even scheduling a hearing—under two specific circumstances: if the same mobile home park accommodation already had its maximum rent decided within the past 12 months, or if the Board determines the petition was filed for harassment or for purposes outside the intent of the enabling Act or Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, §§ 32A–32S. This provision acts as a gatekeeping mechanism to prevent redundant or bad-faith filings from consuming Board resources. It applies to individual accommodation adjustments within mobile home parks covered by the bylaw.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 170 § 170-6, operators of mobile home parks in West Stockbridge can take note that the Board is empowered to dismiss petitions for rent adjustment without a hearing when a rent decision for the same unit was issued within the prior 12 months. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of prior Board decisions and their dates, so that any petition filed too soon or in apparent bad faith can be flagged for the Board's consideration. Understanding this limitation helps park managers anticipate the procedural posture of any incoming adjustment petition.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 170 § 170-6 establishes limits on when a petition for individual rent adjustment can be heard, meaning a petition may be dismissed without a hearing if a decision on the same accommodation was made within the last 12 months or if the Board finds the petition was filed in bad faith. Tenants who believe a petition filed against them—or a dismissal of their own petition—was handled improperly may wish to review the Board's written findings and consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massachusetts mobile home park law under MGL c. 140, §§ 32A–32S. General enforcement paths can include raising procedural concerns directly before the Board or seeking guidance from a legal aid organization.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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